Cincinnati vs Kettering: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Kettering, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Kettering, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,351▲ | $62,913 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.91▲ | $30.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,265▲ | $36,490 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,834▲ | $45,297 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,624▲ | $80,528 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,066▲ | $97,515 |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kettering.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Kettering is $3,438 (5.46%). Cincinnati's median is -20.37% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $67,801,Kettering spans $61,025. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($69,572 effective) pays 0.30% more than Kettering ($69,364 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,351/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,066)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,572)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Kettering if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Cincinnati grew 26.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -31.2% growth in Kettering over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$49,080 (2021) → $62,115 (2025)
Kettering, OH
$85,659 (2024) → $58,896 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Kettering, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Cincinnati or Kettering?
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Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Kettering as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Cincinnati vs Kettering?
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Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov